By CARMEN LINDSEY
carmen.lindsey@gaflnews.com
CORDELE — Today, 53 Crisp County 4-H’ers will take a trip to Wild Adventures Theme Park near Valdosta for participating in the recent Area Project Achievement competition at Turner County High School in Ashburn and the Southwest District Project Achievement competition at Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton.
Thirty-three 5-6 grade Cloverleaf 4-H’ers vied in Ashburn and 29 senior and junior 4-H’ers in grades 7-12 contended in Eatonton.
According to Cheri Whitehurst, Crisp County 4-H agent, both APA and DPA are public speaking competitions in which the students make a presentation in a large number of projects. Various categories included air science, ocean egology, paleontology, veterinary science and others.
Amidst excitement and beams of youth, Crisp 4-H’ers loaded on a 65-passenger school bus at approximately 8:30 a.m. They will return around 7 p.m. Some of them have not been to the park since it reopened in early March.
The park closed at the beginning of the year for ride repairs, cleaning and landscaping after Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation bought it from founder and former owner Kent Buescher last September for $34.5 million.
Joel Manby is the corporation’s president and CEO. Bob Montgomery has since taken over operations for Wild Adventures as its new general manager.
“This is a reward trip for competing at DPA and APA,” says Whitehurst, who adds that 4-H’ers can go anywhere they want inside the theme park as long as they are in groups.
“Many of them have already expressed a desire to ride the Rattler,” she says. “It will be a fun time.”
The Rattler is the first new ride at Wild Adventures in three years. The ride can hold 24 people, lasts for over two minutes, is six stories high and goes through a 240-degree arc while spinning on its axis.
But the Rattler isn’t the only ride available. Some of them may ride the Cheetah, Tasmanian River Rapids or the Yo-Yo. The red rat snack, west African crowned crane, giraffe, and Grant and Chapman zebras are just a few of the animals attractions at the park.
On a special note, Whitehurst will give 4-H’ers a surprise announcement before they depart for Wild Adventures.
Four-H inspired the third best-selling ice cream in the United States, Blue Bell Creameries, to introduce their newest flavor—Centennial Cupcake—in honor of more than 100 years of 4-H youth development programming.
Featuring a delicious cake batter ice cream with pieces of yellow cake, a chocolate icing swirl and four-leaf clover sprinkles, the Centennial Cupcake half gallon is now on shelves in stores where Blue Bell products are sold. To sweeten the deal, Blue Bell is donating a portion of the sales to promote 4-H educational programs.
“Four-H benefits so many young people with its youth development programs," said Paul Kruse, Blue Bell CEO and president. "This is just a small token of our appreciation. 4-H has been around for over 100 years. Blue Bell just finished celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2007, so we understand how special it is to reach the century mark.”
Blue Bell has also created a unique carton for Centennial Cupcake Ice Cream featuring the 4-H emblem and four youth in 4-H attire.
It is available locally at Salt Lick, Striplings, Wal-Mart and Harvey’s.
Local news
Crisp 4-H’ers visit Wild Adventures today
- Local news
-
-
Spring expressions contest
Crisp County High Interact sponsored a “spring expressions” contest.
-
Help keep Cordele clean
City of Cordele officials and staff are moving ahead in their efforts to make the community an inviting and pleasant place to visit and live.
-
Trio cited for shoplifting at three stores
Two Floridians and a local resident were all charged with shoplifting Tuesday at a trio of local businesses.
-
Fire at Drexel causes damage
An early morning fire in the offices of Drexel Chemical got firefighters’ week off to a busy start.
-
Traffic stop leads to more serious charge
A man initially stopped here Monday for driving with a suspended license is being held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after his fourth illegal entry into the country.
-
McClung retiring
After 38 years in practice locally, Dr. Jerrold L. McClung, D.D.S. has announced that he is retiring, and his office will close on May 31. After that date, Dr. Brad Ford, D.M.D. and his son, Dr. Bradshaw Ford, D.M.D. will assume the care of Dr. McClung’s patients.
-
Superseding indictment brought against Wilcox sheriff, others
The Justice Department, along with U.S. Attorney Michael J. Moore, Middle District of Georgia, announced Monday that a grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against former Wilcox County Sheriff Stacy Bloodsworth; his son, Austin Bloodsworth; and former Wilcox County Jailer Casey Owens.
-
Community responds to Lions fundraiser
Cordele Lions Club recently joined other Lions throughout the United States in the observance of White Cane Days, a long-time fund-raising project of Lions Clubs International.
-
Burglar alarm foils attempted pawn shop entry
Burglary charges have been filed against two young men caught inside one building while attempting to break into an adjoining business.
-
Exhibition & reception set at CAAA
“Senior Portfolio 2012” will be on display at the Crisp Area Arts Alliance (CAAA) May 14 – June 1. A reception is planned for Friday, May 18 from 5-7 pm at the CAAA building.
- More Local news Headlines
-
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Defense Rests Without Calling Edwards, Mistress
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Romney Calls Obama a 'Disappointment'
Students in Tornado-hit Community Await Lady A
On Zuckerberg's Mind: People, Not Shareholders
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
Blood Drive for Woman With Flesh-Eating Disease
AG Race Tops Oregon Primary Interest
Obama Welcomes Beckham, Galaxy to White House
Raw Video: Mladic's Genocide Trial Under Way
Court Records Detail Zimmerman Injuries
Local Community Prepares for G8 Summit
New Guidelines for US Nuclear Plants
The President's Hideaway Welcomes World Leaders
